Experts say Sahel has become terrorism epicenter as U.S. presence shrinks and Russia moves in

Witnesses told the subcommittee that the Sahel region and parts of Africa have become focal points for global terrorism and that U.S. counterterrorism influence has weakened in some partner countries.

Why it matters: diminishing U.S. presence and the arrival of Russian private military contractors can change the operational environment for counterterrorism and reduce U.S. ability to gather intelligence and assist partners in disrupting networks.

Ambassador Nathan A. Sales said West Africa and the Sahel have become the epicenter of global terrorism and cited statistics showing the Sahel accounted for a large share of terrorism-related deaths. He warned that U.S. engagement is important to prevent frontline states from turning to rivals.

Sales gave Niger as a case study: where the United States previously operated a drone base in Agadez, the American presence has declined and Wagner-linked actors have increased influence. "We have now seen that base closed down. The American presence, diminished to nothing, and Wagner mercenaries come in," he said, adding that Wagner's approach of exploiting resources and brutal tactics is not effective for sustainable counterterrorism.

Dr. Byman agreed that partner capacity on the ground does most day-to-day counterterrorism work and that diplomatic and development programs are cost-effective ways to improve partner capabilities. Both witnesses urged renewed engagement and funding to restore influence and build partner competence.

No new deployment decisions were made during the hearing; members emphasized that counterterrorism assistance and diplomatic engagement are tools to deter rival influence and degrade terrorist networks.